COMMUTERS won't be able to drive into Taunton via Station Road this week.

A stretch of the road is closed from 5am today (Monday, May 23) until 1am on Friday while the disused rail bridge is removed.

And there could be a further closure from Tuesday to Friday next week if the operation isn't completed within five days.

The bridge is being removed to make way for a road bridge that will be installed later on to link up the two ends of the Northern Inner Distributor Road (NIDR) linking Staplegrove Road at Chip Lane to Priory Avenue.

Somerset County Council has announced the following arrangements, giving drivers, pedestrians and cyclists advanced warning to plan their journeys carefully.

+FOR VEHICLES: a signed diversion route will be in place via the Obridge Viaduct (flyover) - although drivers are free to seek their own alternatives.

+FOR PEDESTRIANS: access will be maintained during working hours (between 6.30am and 11.30pm) using steps and a ramp via Whitehall. Outside working hours, one of the pavements beneath the bridge will re-open for pedestrians.

Somerset County Gazette:

+FOR PEDESTRIANS WITH LIMITED MOBILITY: construction firm Carillion will provide a shuttle bus.

+PARENTS WITH PRAMS & PUSHCHAIRS: help will be offered using the steps or they can choose to use the shuttle bus.

+CYCLISTS: they can use the diversion for vehicles or have assistance using the pedestrian route.